My nose is stuffy, I keep sneezing and I’m starting to wheeze. Did I catch COVID-19?
Many people are suffering from PTSD from COVID-19. It did ruin many peoples holidays, 2 years in a row! The Omicron variant is highly contagious and continues to be a threat. Although we’re seeing a sharp decline in cases, springtime is approaching and many of us are going to start sneezing and wheezing again.
If you’re like many who suffer from seasonal allergies, you know that springtime is notorious for sneezing, watery and itchy eyes and runny noses. But, did spring allergies come early this year? Let’s find out in our guide on spring allergies and how they differ from COVID-19. AFC Urgent Care Malden is here to help you find relief from spring allergies.
Yes, Spring Allergy Season Started Early This Year
Spring allergies are already here. We had a warm winter with sporadic temperatures. Here are just a few reasons why this allergy season may be affecting you so severely, earlier than normal:
- Priming Effect: The “Priming Effect” occurs when temperatures rocket up and plunge quickly in a short amount of time. Think about many weeks this winter when it’s been extremely cold in the morning, and then warm in the afternoon. The constant change in temperatures causes your body to rev up the immune system, meaning people are hyper-sensitive to the new pollen, and in turn this causes increased sensitivity and more suffering once the allergens are released.
- Warm Winters: Warm certainly isn’t something you think of when talking about winter. But warmer winters are just as much a part of allergy season as other factors.
COVID-19 Has Symptoms That Overlap With Spring Allergies
Is COVID-19 going to ruin springtime too? It could be a factor because it is highly contagious and there are still cases of it in the Malden area. But, don’t knock out spring allergies just yet.
The most common symptoms of the COVID-19 are fever, a dry cough, an obvious shortness of breath, and a new loss of taste and smell. Of course there can be other symptoms like congestion, sore throats, headaches, body aches, etc. but these are the most common. Symptoms usually appear 2-14 days after exposure.
On the other hand, allergy symptoms are usually mild and reoccurring. Symptoms can include itchy, red watery eyes, runny nose, rapid sneezing, clear mucus, and sometimes even asthma symptoms.
Your best bet is to get tested for COVID-19 as this can help rule it out. We have multiple COVID-19 testing options so you can enjoy the springtime COVID free. At the same time, you can take necessary steps to prepare for an intense spring allergy season.
How To Prepare For Spring Allergy Season
Here are a few things that can help cut down on the severity of allergies and let you still enjoy the spring season.
- If you’ve been outside, take a shower before you go to bed and change into fresh clothes so you don’t bring pollen onto your sheets that may have clung to your skin, hair or clothes.
- Avoid outdoor activities when pollen counts are highest. They usually are at their highest in the mornings.
- It’s best to go outside after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
- Keep car and home windows closed and opt for air conditioning at night to keep pollen out.
- Change your bedding and pillow covers often.
- Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter
- Stock up on over the counter allergy meds and get extra refills for your inhaler if you have asthma
AFC Urgent Care Malden Is Ready To Help Treat You For Allergies
Having a rough allergy season? Here's the good news: our providers at AFC Urgent Care Malden are here to help relieve your suffering. Visit us, with no appointment needed 7 days a week from 8am-8pm Mondays-Fridays, 8am-5pm Saturdays and Sundays. We accept most insurances.
And as mentioned earlier, we have multiple COVID-19 testing options such as the rapid molecular and rapid antigen tests on a walk-in basis.
